Speaking at the See the Girl Summit: Advocating for Justice and Change

Last week, I had the privilege to participate in the See the Girl Summit, a gathering of advocates, experts, and community leaders dedicated to empowering girls and young women. During the event, I had the honor of joining a panel discussion on the profound and often heartbreaking impact of juvenile direct file. It’s a topic I’m deeply passionate about because of my work in juvenile justice advocacy and my long-standing collaboration with the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center.

Addressing the Impact of Juvenile Direct File

For girls in the juvenile justice system, the stakes are incredibly high. Juvenile direct file is a process where children, sometimes as young as 14, are prosecuted in adult courts. This practice often ignores the developmental differences between teenagers and adults, leaving young people vulnerable to harsh sentencing and lifelong consequences. On the panel, we explored how this system disproportionately affects girls, particularly those who have experienced trauma, and discussed tangible ways to drive systemic change.

This issue is not just a professional focus for me––it’s personal. Years ago, I had the immense privilege of representing a young girl who was a survivor of human trafficking. Her resilience and courage left an indelible mark on me, shaping my commitment to advocating for policies and programs that recognize the unique needs of girls who come into contact with the justice system. Helping girls like her is at the heart of what drives my work.

A Decade of Collaboration with the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center

For more than ten years, I’ve partnered with the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center, an organization that works tirelessly to uplift girls and young women through advocacy, research, and programming. Whether it’s collaborating on legislative reform, supporting survivors of trafficking, or creating community-based initiatives, the Policy Center continues to lead the fight for justice with compassion and dedication.

Their approach is grounded in recognizing the root causes of behaviors that lead to justice system involvement, such as poverty, abuse, and exploitation. Through this lens, they’ve helped create alternative solutions that support healing and reduce recidivism. I’m continually inspired by their work and by the incredible individuals whose lives have been transformed because of their innovative programs.

The Importance of Events Like the See the Girl Summit

The See the Girl Summit is more than just a conference––it’s a space where important conversations spark meaningful action. This year’s theme of “Strength in Unity” was a powerful reminder of what can happen when advocates, policymakers, researchers, and everyday community members come together. The summit’s format allowed for deep engagement with presenters and fostered opportunities to exchange ideas and strategies. From juvenile justice advocacy to mental health reform, the topics tackled were critically important to shaping a better future for girls.

How You Can Get Involved

Advocating for justice and equity is not something that happens overnight. It requires collective effort, lasting commitment, and a willingness to listen to the voices of those most affected. The Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center exemplifies this, and I encourage anyone interested in making an impact to learn more about their work. From supporting survivors of trafficking to influencing legislative change, there are countless ways to contribute.

Additionally, events like the See the Girl Summit play a crucial role in bringing these issues to light. If you’re passionate about juvenile justice advocacy or simply want to learn more, I highly recommend exploring the summit and its resources.

Learn More

To find out more about the See the Girl Summit and the groundbreaking work of the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center, visit their websites here and here. Together, we can continue to push for the change our girls need and deserve.

Advocacy for girls is not just about identifying injustices; it’s about working toward solutions that reflect compassion, equity, and empowerment. I am humbled to be part of this work and am committed to continuing the fight for a brighter future for all girls.